Hit scoring target operable by an electromagnetic signature detector

ABSTRACT

A hit scoring target comprising a target panel connected to a hit scoring management unit. The hit scoring management unit comprises an electromagnetic signature sensor operatively associated with the target panel. The electromagnetic signature sensor may be a capacitance sensor, inductance sensor or magnetic field sensor. The hit scoring management unit further comprises a control unit operatively associated with the electromagnetic sensor. The control unit is arranged to count the number of detected changes in the electromagnetic signature of target panel, and invoke a predetermined action upon reaching a predefined number, wherein each change in the electromagnetic signature of the panel target is associated with a projectile passing through target panel. The action invoked may be tilting down the target panel or transmitting information relating to the hit scoring on the target panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to hit scoring target for shootingpractice, and more particularly, to such a target that is operable bydetecting change in the electromagnetic signature thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hit scoring targets are used for shooting practicing purposes and arewell known in the art. In some shooting practices, it is desired toarrange the hit scoring targets such that the target falls down after apredefined number of successful shots have been achieved.

Accordingly, several patents and patent applications are known toaddress the need to count the number of projectiles passing through thehit scoring target. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,347 to Tesselwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety discloses ahit scoring target that is arranged to operate on the principle ofproducing a short circuit between two conductive layers whenever aprojectile traverses the target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention suggest an improvedmechanism for counting the number of projectiles passing through a hitscoring target, overcoming problems associated with targets that operateon the principle of producing a short circuit between the two layers ofthe target. Such problems derive from the fact that a short circuit is abinary parameter. A circuit is either short circuited or not. Thus, anyprojectile that gets stuck in the target interferes with the properoperation of the target.

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with shortcircuit based detectors by providing a detector that is arranged todetect the changes of the electromagnetic signature of the target.Electromagnetic signature is the combination of parameters indicative ofthe characteristics of the electrical field and the magnetic field orthe response thereto of a certain object

Specifically, such a detector is operatively associated with a targetpanel that has a certain electromagnetic signature in steady state. Thesignature temporally changes whenever a projectile passes through it. Acontrol unit operatively associated with the detector is arranged todecide when such change in the electromagnetic signature is indicativeof a passing projectile. In the event of a projectile being stuck at thetarget, the control unit may be arranged to assign the newelectromagnetic signature as the new steady state and use it as areference for further changes. Thus, the change in the signature ismonitored and a more robust hit scoring target is achieved.

Potential electromagnetic signature detectors may be capacitancedetectors, inductance detectors and magnetic field detectors but theyare not limited to specific implementations. Accordingly, the targetpanel is an object that comprises at least two conducting members and aninsulating material between them. Such a structure defines the two edgesto which the electromagnetic detection refers.

In embodiments, the target panel may comprise two metallic layers withan insulating material between them. Accordingly, extensions of themetallic layers serve as coupling means for attaching the target panelto the electromagnetic signature detector. This further contributes tothe physical robustness of the hit scoring target as a whole,eliminating the use of vulnerable cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more clearlyunderstood in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein,given by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion ofthe present invention only, with reference to the accompanying drawings(Figures, or simply “FIGS.”), wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric diagram illustrating the hit scoringtarget according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another schematic isometric diagram illustrating the hitscoring target according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section diagram illustrating the attachmentmeans between the target panel and the base of the hit scoring targetaccording to some embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the building blocks of thehit scoring management unit according to some embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a high level flow chart illustrating the stages of the methodaccording to some embodiments of the disclosure;

The drawings together with the description make apparent to thoseskilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.

Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that theteachings of the present disclosure may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show schematic isometric diagrams illustrating the hitscoring target according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The hitscoring target comprises a body target 100 enveloping a target panel(not shown). The target panel is attached to a target holder 120 thatconnects in turn to a target base 110. The target holder 120 comprisestwo attaching panels 210 and 220 that are eclectically insolated by arod 240 that attaches to the target panel. Attaching panels 210 and 220provide the required electrical coupling, together with cables 230,between target base 110 and the target panel.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section diagram illustrating the attachmentmeans between the target panel 300 and the target base 110 according tosome embodiments of the disclosure. The target panel 300 comprising afirst layer of conducting material 310 and a second layer of conductingmaterial 320 held together with an insulating material 330 between them.Advantageously, these attaching means provide further robustnesseliminating the need of cables for connecting the target panel to thetarget holder.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the building blocks of thehit scoring management unit 400 according to some embodiments of thedisclosure. The hit scoring system for enabling shooting practicecomprises a target panel 300 (not shown here) having a steady stateelectromagnetic signature, an electromagnetic signature sensor 410operatively associated with target panel 300. It further comprises acontrol unit 430 operatively associated with electromagnetic sensor 410.Control unit 430 is arranged to count the number of detected changes inthe electromagnetic signature of target panel 300, and invoke apredetermined action upon reaching a predefined number, wherein eachchange in the electromagnetic signature of the panel target isassociated with a projectile passing through target panel 300.

According to some embodiments of the invention, hit scoring managementunit 400 further comprises a drive 460 and a mechanical module 470operatively associated with control unit 430. Responsive to control unit430, drive 460 and mechanical module 470 are arranged to tilt down thepanel target 300.

According to some embodiments of the invention, hit scoring managementunit 400 further comprises a communication module 440 operativelyassociated with control module 430. Responsive of control unit 430,communication module 440 is arranged to transmit information related tothe hit scoring of target panel 300.

According to some embodiments of the invention, hit scoring managementunit 400 further comprises a counter 420 coupled between electromagneticsensor 410 and control unit 430. Counter 420 is arranged to count eachchange in the electromagnetic signature of target panel 300 beyond apredefined threshold.

According to some embodiments of the invention, electromagnetic sensor410 may be implemented as a capacitance sensor, inductance sensor,magnetic field sensor, combination thereof and the like.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the hit scoring systemfurther comprises a temporal manipulation module (not shown) coupledbetween target panel 300 and electromagnetic signature sensor 410. Thetemporal manipulation module is arranged to manipulate the temporalparameters of the electromagnetic signature such that they are adaptedto the electromagnetic signature sensor. Such manipulation may be laggeneration, signal expansion and the like.

According to some embodiments of the invention target panel 300 is athree dimensional target.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the invention comprisessolely target panel 300 for use in a hit scoring target based ondetecting the change in the electromagnetic signature in said targetpanel. Specifically, target panel 300 comprises at least two conductingmembers eclectically insulated from each other and arranged to exhibit ameasurable change in the electromagnetic signature of the target panelwhen a projectile passes through it.

According to some embodiments of the invention, target panel 300,comprises two metallic members formed as panels and further comprisingan extension arranged to be attached to an electromagnetic signaturesensor 410.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the insulating materialof target panel 300, may be any of the following: polymer, plastic,rubber and the like.

FIG. 5 is a high level flow chart illustrating the stages of the methodaccording to some embodiments of the disclosure. The method starts withthe stage of detecting a change in the electromagnetic signature of atarget panel 510. It then goes on to the stage of counting the number ofdetected changes in the electromagnetic signature of said target panel520. Then it goes on to the stage of invoking a predefined action 540upon reaching a predefined number of detected changes in theelectromagnetic signature of said target panel 530.

According to some embodiments, the action invoked upon reaching apredefined number of detected changes is the stage of transmittinginformation relating to the hit scoring on target pane 300.

According to some embodiments, wherein the action invoked upon reachinga predefined number of detected changes in the electromagnetic signatureof said target panel is a mechanical action relating to the targetpanel.

According to some embodiments, the mechanical action relating to thetarget panel comprises tilting down the target panel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, hit scoring managementunit 400 can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or incomputer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in amachine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for executionby a programmable processor; and method steps of the invention can beperformed by a programmable processor executing a program ofinstructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on inputdata and generating output.

Specifically, hit scoring management unit 400 can be implementedadvantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processorcoupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, andat least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructionsthat can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform acertain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program canbe written in any form of programming language, including compiled orinterpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including asa stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or otherunit suitable for use in a computing environment.

Additionally, hit scoring management unit 400 may be implemented by andutilize processors for the execution of a program of instructionsinclude, by way of example, both general and special purposemicroprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors ofany kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructionsand data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Theessential elements of a computer, such as the communication deviceaccording to the present invention are a processor for executinginstructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data.

In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementationof the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “anembodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to thesame embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in thecontext of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a singleembodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”,“one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein isnot to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may bebetter understood with reference to the accompanying description,figures and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construea limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carriedout or practiced in various ways and that the invention can beimplemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in thedescription above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”,“consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude theaddition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers orgroups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifyingcomponents, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, thatdoes not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to“a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there isonly one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that acomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can”or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure,or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may beused to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to thosediagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow neednot move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the sameorder as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing orcompleting manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selectedsteps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and proceduresfor accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, thosemanners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readilydeveloped from known manners, means, techniques and procedures bypractitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in theclaims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting butrather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to becommonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which theinvention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice withmethods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles,referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if eachindividual publication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of anyreference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shallnot be construed as an admission that such reference is available asprior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on thescope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of thepreferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision otherpossible variations, modifications, and applications that are alsowithin the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of theinvention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, butby the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A hit scoring system for enabling shooting practice comprising: atarget panel having a steady state electromagnetic signature; anelectromagnetic signature sensor operatively associated with said targetpanel; a control unit operatively associated with said electromagneticdetector; wherein said control unit is arranged to count the number ofdetected changes in the electromagnetic signature of the target panel,and invoke a predetermined action upon reaching a predefined number;wherein each change in the electromagnetic signature of the panel targetis associated with a projectile passing through the target panel.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a drive and a mechanical moduleoperatively associated with said control unit; wherein responsive of thecontrol unit, the drive and the mechanical module are arranged to tiltdown the panel target.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising acommunication module operatively associated with said control module;wherein responsive of the control unit, the communication module isarranged to transmit information related to the hit scoring of saidtarget panel.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a countercoupled between the electromagnetic sensor and the control unit; whereinthe counter is arranged to count each change in the electromagneticsignature of the target panel beyond a predefined threshold.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic sensor is at least one ofthe following sensors: capacitance sensor, inductance sensor, magneticfield sensor, combination thereof.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thetarget panel is a three dimensional target.
 7. The system of claim 1,further comprising a temporal manipulation module coupled between saidtarget panel and said electromagnetic signature sensor; wherein thetemporal manipulation module is arranged to manipulate the temporalparameters of the electromagnetic signature such that they are adaptedto the electromagnetic sensor.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thetarget panel comprises at least two conducting panels with an insulatingmaterial between them.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each panel ofthe target panel comprises an extension arranged to be attached to theelectromagnetic signature sensor.
 10. A target panel for use in a hitscoring target based on detecting the change in the electromagneticsignature in said target panel, said target panel comprising: at leasttwo conducting members eclectically insulated from each other by aninsulating material and arranged to exhibit a measurable change in theelectromagnetic signature of the target panel when a projectile passesthrough it.
 11. The target panel of claim 10, wherein said twoconducting members are formed as panels.
 12. The target panel of claim10, wherein each conducting member further comprises an extensionarranged to be attached to an electromagnetic signature sensor.
 13. Thetarget panel of claim 10, wherein said insulating material is at leastone of the following: polymer, plastic, rubber.
 14. A method of countingthe number of projectiles passing through a target panel, said methodcomprising: detecting a change in the electromagnetic signature of atarget panel; counting the number of detected changes in theelectromagnetic signature of said target panel; invoking a predefinedaction upon reaching a predefined number of detected changes in theelectromagnetic signature of said target panel.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the action invoked upon reaching a predefined number ofdetected changes is transmitting information relating to the hit scoringon said target panel.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the actioninvoked upon reaching a predefined number of detected changes in theelectromagnetic signature of said target panel is a mechanical actionrelating to the target panel.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein themechanical action relating to the target panel comprises tilting downthe target panel.